I got it!

Annabelle

I sigh as I wash the dishes, watching out the window as I wonder when the evil woman will return. After dinner last night, she made me scrub the main living area marble with a sponge—as if pulling my hair, threatening us, and humiliating me wasn’t enough; she just had to make sure I knew just how much I NEED her. No, how much WE need her.

However, she’s right. No one else would allow Rae to stay for free, with just me as a live-in maid. I know that, but I also have hope that King Madden will choose me, and we will be able to get away from this evil woman and her vile husband.

After loading the last dish into the dishwasher, I carefully shut it, only to be startled by the hot wisp of breath on my neck. I jump back, and he laughs behind me, grabbing my hips with his hands, “Did I scare you?” He whispers into my ear, making my skin crawl.

I shake my head, biting my tongue before I speak, “A little, Mr. Lynch,” I confess as I grab his hands, pulling them off my hips before moving to grab the broom. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

He grins, moving closer to me, but I quickly get to the other side of the kitchen island, putting as much space in between as I can, “I know—I made sure of that,” He admits, his eyes scanning my body with lust.

The bile rises in the back of my throat, and I smile nervously, “I need to get back to work,” I say softly. “Mrs. Lynch will return soon, and I need to sweep the upstairs.”

He nods as he steps closer to the island, leaning over it, “You know, Annabelle,” He pauses. “You wouldn’t need to be afraid of my wife if you just gave in to my demands,” he says, licking his lips. “If you just were my mistress as I suggested…. Then I could make my life leave you and your sister alone.”

The very thought of his hands touching me makes me feel sick—I am not that desperate….

My feet quickly shuffle backward, and I smile nervously, “Thank you, Mr. Lynch, but my answer is still no,” I say, trying to be firm but meek.

His eyebrows furrow as a visible emotion of anger flashes across his face before he pushes himself off the counter, standing straight up with a shoulder shrug, “Hey, I was just trying to help you and Rae, but if that’s how you want it to be, then that’s how it is,” He says, before turning on his heel, but then he pauses, turning back around, “But don’t worry, WHEN you change your mind, I won’t be angry,” he grins, his eyes scanning me with greed once more.

My heart beats erratically in my chest as I shake my head, gripping the counter behind me, “I won’t change my mind,” I say quickly, but he only chuckles.

“I have been married to Elena for fifteen years,” he smirks, “Believe me, you will,” he says wickedly before turning once more and walking out of the kitchen with a pep in his step, leaving me in shock.

Once I can no longer hear his footsteps, I exhale the breath I’ve been holding. I could never do that. Not unless I was desperate for Rae’s safety. For her, I would gladly sell my soul, but we aren’t THAT desperate yet. We still have one more chance at getting away from these awful people—King Madde. And even though I know it’s a risk, it's better than Mr. Lynch’s offer.

I sigh, glancing out the window once more. The driveway is still empty, and I sigh in relief, turning to the refrigerator to grab the sandwich I made Rae for lunch. With the broom in one hand and the sandwich plate in the other, I slowly move toward the staircase, walking as silently as possible to make sure Mr. Lynch isn’t hiding anywhere.

I quickly walk up the stairs, heading to our bedroom door and opening it softly. “Belle, there you are.” Her weak voice greets me. I smile faintly as I walk toward her, handing her the plate.

“I made you Turkey on wheat with all the fixings.”

“Thank you,” she says, picking up the sandwich, but I can already see she isn’t hungry from here. I watch as she takes a nibble and then smirks, “Is the she-devil back?” she asks, and I giggle, shaking my head.

“No, but Mr. Lynch is,” I say with disgust in my voice.

She sighs, shaking her head, “Please be careful around him, Belle. I have a feeling he may not take no for an answer forever.” I nod, my heart racing again as I remember the encounter we just had. Unfortunately, I think Rae is right. The more I tell him no, the more he advances like I am the mouse, and he is the cat.

“I know, but don’t worry about me. I can handle him,” I say bravely, but we both know it’s a lie.

Rae sighs, “Has the castle called yet?” Rae asks, changing the subject.

I look away quickly and then back toward her, “No, but they will. We have done so much for them not to, Rae. My application is flawless. They will call, and we will get you well again,” I say with determination. Rae nods, her eyes glassy, but she doesn’t allow one tear to fall.

“I know, Belle,” she says, her voice more cheerful. “Now, get back to work before she gets back.” I nod, standing up to straighten my apron.

“Okay, I will check on you shortly.” Rae smiles, and I grab the broom and leave the room to finish my chores. I sigh, staring at the large hallway, but as I begin, the telephone rings and my heart plummets into my stomach— is this it?

I quickly drop the broom, racing down the stairs—I need to answer the phone before Mr. Lynch does. My heart is beating a million miles per minute as each ring passes before I reach the phone, picking it up in a daze, “Hello, Lynch Residence,” I say properly, but out of breath.

“Yes, I would like to speak to Annabelle Mason,” the man on the other end says curtly.

“This is she,” I say, my entire body shaking with anticipation.

“Annabelle, we have received your application….” But the rest of his words fade…

This is it. This is our chance…. I got the interview!